A Primer on Pet Care: Pet Safety Simplified

For many people pets are a wonderful source of companionship. Especially those who live alone. Their pets become their "babies". The elderly person takes great joy in having a cat, dog, or bird. Petting the animal can be relaxing to a person. As well as playing and conversation. Who better to have a conversation with? The pet doesn't argue back! The cat will purr, the bird sing, and the dog will wag his tail joyfully.

All pets need a regular amount of care. The basic needs of course being food and water. Bathing and exercise are also important, as well as regular medical check-ups.

Here are some basic tips to help keep your pet safe and healthy.

Know your pet's dietary needs. Some pets may need special diets if they have allergies.

Cats do not need milk. They can have a small amount, but too much can cause diarrhea. The amount and type of food will depend on the breed and size of the cat. Your veterinarian can help you with this.

Keep the litter box clean. After all, they do have to step in this. You wouldn't want them to track anything out of the box throughout the house or on the furniture.

Have your cat vaccinated, especially if you let her outdoors. There are many illnesses she can acquire. Rabies, parasites, and one of the most dangerous diseases - feline leukemia. The last is highly contagious to other cats.

To collar or not to collar? This is a hard decision. If the cat is an indoor cat there really isn't a need for it. However, if you let your cat out, a collar is the place for the name and address tag as well as any license that is required by your city. Remember that cats like to climb. There is a possibility that she will get stuck in a tree or on a fence and be hanging by the collar. If your cat is declawed, she/he definitely should not be outdoors.

While the Christmas holiday is a joyous time for most people, pet owners need to be careful how they decorate. The type of decorations should be carefully considered as some are dangerous to pets. For instance, do not use tinsel. Cats can eat the tinsel. It will not digest, can tangle in their system and kill them. Certain holiday plants can also be poisonous should they eat them.

Dogs also need a proper diet. Never feed a dog chocolate. This can make a dog sick and he may die from it. Cheese is not good for dogs either. Always have plenty of fresh water.

Taking your dog for a walk is good exercise for both of you. Always keep your dog on a leash and use caution as to how long your walks are. For example, in the summer walking between 11:00 am and 4:00 pm is the hottest part of the day. Especially in the southern states. You don't want to dehydrate your dog or yourself. You may want to carry a bottle of water with you and a small or collapsible bowl.

Never leave your dog (or any pet) in a locked car with the windows rolled up! He needs cool air as much as humans do. The temperature in a locked car is enough to dehydrate and kill your pet. Many states have strict laws against this and you can be fined and/or jailed for animal abuse.

When walking your dog it is a good idea to carry with you a small notepad and pen. Also carry with you the phone number of your local police and animal control office. Although your dog may be gentle and well trained, others are not. Dogs like to protect their territory. Sometimes they come out of their property and attack you or your dog on the street. Or they may be strays that come after you. If you know where the dog(s) live you can write down the address immediately. Then, when you get home you can call and report the incident. If you have a cell phone you can call animal control and give them the information when it happens.

If possible change the route you walk to avoid future confrontations. Even if you and your pet were not seriously hurt it should still be called in. Remember, this time it was you, but the next time a small child may be injured.

Exercise your pets indoors or out. Cats love toys that they can "hunt". Dogs like to chase and play tug-of-war.

Both dogs and cats on occasion can get loose. Even if your yard is fenced in. Dogs like to dig under and cats like to jump over. A good idea (and some cities require this) is to have a microchip inserted in them. The chip contains information that will help identify them as well as contact information. You will then be notified and reunited with your companion.

Enjoy your pet. Keep them happy and healthy and they will keep you happy and healthy.